Young Buck - When the Rain Stops

If there’s one rapper who knows how to weather a storm without faltering or becoming discouraged, Young Buck is the man. Through a series of setbacks that would have driven most emcees to lay down the mic and, I dunno, become dental hygienists, the former G-Unit member/victim has continued to churn out dope tunes for his ever-devoted core audience. On his latest mixtape leak, When the Rain Stops, Buck lets listeners in on the secret that’s seen him through the tough times. Well, OK, I’m not sure that looking on the bright side, appreciating the little things, and starting your day with a high-quality blunt can be called a “secret,” but it certainly sounds like a surefire recipe for happiness. In any case, the artist’s amiable rhymes, coupled with a laid-back mix of street-ready synths, organ, and mellow guitar licks make for a summer jam that’ll get heads nodding and faces smiling, whatever the weather. If Rain leaves you craving more from the Nashville street veteran, pull out your calendars and a Magic Marker; Buck’s latest street album, The Rehab, is scheduled to drop July 6.